Socio-Economic Study of Recreational Anglers

Updated July 2013

In January 2012, Tourist Development International (TDI) was appointed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to carry out a Socio-Economic Survey of Recreational Anglers. The overall objective of the survey was to establish the current volume and value of domestic and overseas recreational angling in Ireland.

Background

The project comprised a number of research components.

Household Survey In May, interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 1,000 Irish [aged 15+]. The survey was conducted at 60 locations throughout the country. Fieldwork on Wave 2 of the household survey with a further 1,000 interviews is also now complete. Between the May and October surveys, a total sample of 2,000 adults was attained.

Survey of Recreational Anglers. During 2012, 1061 domestic and foreign anglers were contacted by TDI to participate in a Survey of Recreational Anglers and from these 903 interviews were achieved. Interviews were conducted at 50 different game, coarse, sea angling and pike fisheries throughout the country.

Survey of Angling Stakeholders. Starting in August, TDI carried out a survey of Angling Stakeholders, conducting interviews with 105 angling enterprises including fishing guides and instructors, charter boat operators, fishing tackle shops, boat hire enterprises, and accommodation establishments. This component of the research has now been completed.

Data interpretation and report writing. All the data has now been collected, interpreted and compiled into a final report.